Homebuilder Blues: NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builder Ratings December 2013

Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their latest Housing Market Index (HMI) showing that assessments of housing activity improved in December with the composite HMI index climbing to 58 while the "buyer traffic" index rose to a level of 44.

It's important to note that while the last few months results have suggested a pullback of sorts for home builder activity, the latest trend has been very strong and consistent with the overall recovery seen in the nation's housing markets.

Looking at the data, it is fairly clear that the last year of results indicate a major change in builder sentiment likely coming as a result of improvements in confidence given the notable rise in buyer traffic, reduced inventory and a more balanced monthly supply.

Homebuilder Blues: NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builder Ratings September 2012

Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their latest Housing Market Index (HMI) showing an notable improvement in September with the composite HMI index rising to 40 while the "buyer traffic" index climbed to 31, a level not seen since May 2006.

While all indicators have made truly spectacular improvements this year, it's important to note that conditions still remain fairly distressed by historic standards.

Although, looking at the data, it is fairly clear that the last few months of results indicate a major change in builder sentiment likely coming as a result of improvements in confidence given the notable rise in buyer traffic, reduced inventory and a more balanced monthly supply.

Homebuilder Blues: NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builder Ratings January 2010

Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their latest Housing Market Index (HMI) showing flat to declining results for all measures.

It's important to recognize that although each sentiment index has now shown notable year-over-year increases, their levels still remain near the worst levels seen in over 20 years.

The new home market will likely not resume any significant form of healthy function until the considerable overhang of inventory is cleared.

Homebuilder Blues: NAHB/Wells Fargo Home Builder Ratings December 2009

Today, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released their latest Housing Market Index (HMI) showing generally flat results.

It's important to recognize that although each sentiment index has now shown notable year-over-year increases, their levels still remain near the worst levels seen in over 20 years.

The new home market will likely not resume any significant form of healthy function until the considerable overhang of inventory is cleared.